Larian Studios has announced the release of “Patch 9: Holy Knight” for the Early Access version of Baldur’s Gate III. The patch adds the new Paladin class, two subclasses, the ability to fly, a revamped reactions system, the ability to progress to Level 5, and more.The full details via the developer can be seen below:Patch 9 for Baldur’s Gate III is, in essence, a response to the player community’s feedback throughout Early Access—including the Paladin class, a reworked Reactions system, and the ability to progress to Level 5.Paladins vary in their specific missions and ideals, but all Paladins have sworn an Oath to stand with goodness against the encroaching evils of the world. Whether they’ve sworn an Oath of Devotion, an Oath of the Ancients, or an Oath of another kind, their ultimate goal is to uphold justice and righteousness above all else.But what happens to a Paladin who forsakes that sacred promise? Can there be redemption? A hidden Paladin subclass, Oathbreaker, gives players the opportunity to explore this path. Will they seek a return to grace, or will they find that their Oath was worth breaking after all?Dungeons & Dragons players will recognize Level 5 as a significant power boost for all classes—a moment where your party is finally able to take on formidable, previously insurmountable challenges. Spellcasters do especially well at Level 5, gaining access to 3rd-level spells like Fireball, Counterspell, and Animate Dead—play your cards right and you may just raise your very own zombie army.
Here are a few of the highlights from Patch 9:
New Class: Paladin
Bursting with noble spirit and ardent reverence, the Paladin class is marked by the ability to unleash devastating combos in combat while providing aid and protection to their party when necessary.
Two Subclasses
Oath of Devotion
Following the ideal of the knight in shining armor, these Paladins act with honor and virtue to protect the weak and pursue the greater good.
Holy Rebuke – Call upon your Oath to grant an ally a vengeful aura that deals 1d4 Radiant damage to anyone who hits them with a melee attack.
Oath of the Ancients
Paladins who walk this path fight on the side of light in the eternal struggle against darkness, vowing to preserve the sanctity of life and the beauty of nature.
Healing Radiance – Call upon your Oath to let nature heal all nearby allies.
Divine Smite – When using a melee attack, you may choose to spend a spell slot to deal radiant damage to your target in addition to your weapon damage.
Hidden Subclass: Oathbreaker
Paladins who stray from their sacred oaths become Oathbreakers, which comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Embrace your newfound powers for good or ill, or start down the path of redemption.
Level 5
Players can now progress to Level 5—this makes for a significant power boost for all classes, and opens up 3rd-level spells like Fireball to those with spellcasting abilities.
Revamped Reactions System
Reactions are a unique type of combat action that can be triggered by various combat circumstances—for example, an enemy in melee range running away can trigger an Attack of Opportunity.
Players can now choose whether or not to use a Reaction when one is triggered, allowing for more strategic combat!
Flying
The “Fly” spell can be used in and out of combat to do just that—fly. Spread your wings and fly to otherwise out-of-reach treasure, or out of the reach of your enemies.
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Which was showcased at E3 2003.